(1). The office of the Superintendent of Police is compelled to clarify on the unsavory spat of media publication by media cell of Wokha Village Youth Organization (WVYO) on 04/02/14 allegedly condemning the remarks made by SDPO,Wokha against Wokha Villagers and its officials and unnecessary harassment meted out to the WVY0 officials.
(2). It is rather disconcertingly observed that the entire media publication is completely fabricated, facts of the matter completely distorted with a calculated and calibrated attempt to garb the incident with a whole new twist, derisively attempting to malign the image of a young budding Police Officer of Nagaland Police, which smacks of chauvinism, unsuited for any discourse in public domain.
(3).The facts in issue is that on 27/01/2014, Kenesa,SDPO Wokha received an information that a group of Youth numbering about 10(ten), had entered into the Police Reserve of DEF Wokha and were carrying out House search and also taking photographs and videos of the Police Quarters Lines creating panic and anxiety among the Police families. SDPO, Wokha went to the spot and confronted the youths, rightly ascertaining the purpose and motive of entering the Police Lines and conducting search on further examination the Youths belonged to the Wokha Village Youth Organization (WVYO) and were purportedly executing the Wokha Village Council General resolution for protection of forest and wildlife.
(4). The SDPO, Wokha, correctly pointed out that the Police Reserve Line is a Security Zone and the writ of Wokha Village Council shall not hold within the Police Lines as the S.P office and the Police Lines have been duly established Vide an agreement between the Government of Nagaland and Wokha Village; and the duly demarcated area was beyond the bounds of any Public. The SDPO,Wokha was well within his right to arrest and institute Criminal proceeding against the trespassers; but showing sagacity and sound judgment produced the Youths to the S.P office and summoned the Village Council Chairman for a discussion with the S.P, Addl. S.P and the Village Council chairman. Trashing out the differences, the matter was amicably settled, with a caution that the sanctity of Police Lines and the area has to be respected and any issues needed to be discussed with the concerned authority without taking unilateral action within the Police Lines.
(5). However, the concerted attempt to paint Kenesa, SDPO Wokha, a responsible Police Officer as abusive, insensitive to landowners, to the conservation efforts, corrupted etc. is a figment of the imagination, travesty of facts complete hearsay bordering on the absurd. The lesser said the better.
(6). Further, it is impressed upon the WVYO to be judicious in use of words like “So Called SDPO”. For the records the Post of the SDPO is a statutory Post empowered by the Police Act of 1861,Cr.PC, 1973 and Nagaland Police Manual and is a vital Cog in the entire Criminal justice system. To denigrate the Post of SDPO is to show a lack of understanding and sound judgment and coming from the Youth, who are to be the future of tomorrow holds dangerous portents for the rule of law in the District.
(7). Wokha Police will continue to provide Security, Service and sacrifice in the richest traditions of Nagaland Police, to maintain peace and amity in society. It shall remain undeterred by such fabricated, malicious and motivated incident and continue to uphold the rule of law, as is duly mandated without fear or favour. It is a sincere appeal to one and all to co-operate with Wokha Police; to serve you better and desist from sinister designs to malign the Police and the Morale of its force; for if the Police is rendered ineffective, society becomes regressive; instead let us all work towards a progressive and peaceful society.
Limasunep Jamir, IPS
Superintendent of Police
Wokha, Nagaland
